nbc's michelle franzen may be picking up one herself. she's in the manhattan mall here in midtown, new york city. how busy has it been today there? >> you know, it's building. it is building as the -- every hour goes on, everything gets a little more crowded. the stores are full, but so are people's hands with bags when they walk out of here. today of course is a day where people are coming in, they have that list, they need to get things done nap's because time is running out. not your typical sunday stroll at the mall today nap's because many are getting an early start because they got a late start to the shopping season. with just two days left to go before christmas, the mad dash is on for holiday shoppers. >> got three boys and wife to finish shopping for, and nine in-laws coming. so it's going to be tense, you know, last couple of days, i'm sure. >> reporter: a mysterious mix of shoppers wrapping up or done. >> i'm not a last-minute shopper at all. i probably have been ready since before thanksgiving. >> reporter: and others -- >>